TRASHED!

Readers have more than a ghost of a chance of solving this mystery.

Arthur has...problems. The first one starts when his younger sister, Ramona, announces that her mouse has died. After a glittery funeral in the backyard—Ramona was in charge of decorating the coffin—Arthur’s life seems to get back to normal. Until that evening, when he realizes that he’s being haunted by the mouse’s ghost. Thankfully, the rodent afterlife allows for better communicative skills, and Arthur and newly christened ghost Watson (after Sherlock’s sidekick) can easily converse. Watson’s timing is impeccable, as a mystery is afoot: A special teacup from the past appears in Universal Trash, the consignment shop that Arthur’s family runs, and soon other things—like important paperwork and jewelry—go missing. Freeman plays more than fair with the clues, interspersed among a few red herrings, allowing savvy readers to solve the mystery ahead of Arthur and Watson. Impressively, Freeman also interweaves a subplot concerning prejudice that feels as real as the characters who work and shop at Universal Trash. As the story progresses, Watson’s presence may feel out of place in the otherwise normal world, but that quibble aside, the story will be a welcome addition to any mystery lover’s bookshelf. Hints of a sequel (and more ghosts) will leave readers excited for more. Arthur’s family is coded White.

A delightful mystery that will lure in young sleuths.